About Us

American Baptist churches have ministered to the Purdue Campus for over 100 years. Initially pastors of the local Baptist churches served as campus ministers while Indiana convention joined in supporting Purdue's Campus ministry. In 1948, The Baptist Student Foundation at Purdue (The Found) was formally organized and continues to serve Purdue's students, faculty, and staff.

Since its inception, three campus pastors have directed The Foundation's ministries: Rev. Ken Ewing, from 1950-1979, Rev. Dr. Howie Ness from 1979-1999, and Rev. Dr. Shawn Zambrows from 1999 to the present.

During that second half century Dr. Dallas West, then Executive Minister of the Indiana Baptist Convention, led a financial campaign that resulted in the purchase of our present property. Rev. Ewing oversaw the building of our present facility and initiated many memorable programs (Deputations, "Friendlies" and Sunday Suppers) at The Found. The same year Howie Ness succeeded Ken, the original mortgage was burned and a few years later the property next door was purchased for the residential ministry. Among the many ministries Howie initiated were Sunday Worship at the Found, a clowning ministry and a traveling music group, "Singing Love." While preserving the established strong traditions of worship, community, and outreach, the ministry under Shawn's direction has focused on discipleship, mission and service, leadership development, and enhancing worship.

Though we are an American Baptist sponsored ministry, we are multi-cultural, multi-national, and multi-denominational. To find out more about our ministry email us at bfound@verizon.net


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200 N Russell St West Lafayette, IN 47906 | [765] 743.2371